The Iowa State Cyclones face a precarious matchup against BYU, where their extensive injury situation presents a critical vulnerability. The most immediate concern is the defense, with star defensive tackle Domonique Orange listed as doubtful and the secondary already decimated by season-ending injuries. This defensive strain is compounded by the previous absence of reliable kicker Kyle Konrardy, which forced a detrimental offensive shift. Without Konrardy's field goal range security, the Cyclones were compelled to abandon easy scoring opportunities, opting instead for high-risk fourth-down conversions that often failed. This aggressive, touchdown-or-bust mentality is unsustainable, turning potential points into frustrating turnovers and directly contributing to past losses.
However, the potential return of Konrardy is the Cyclones' major reason for hope and the key to strategic recovery. His availability—trending up for the game—significantly alters the offensive calculus. Konrardy's proven ability, including a 54-yard game-winner earlier in the season, instantly makes the 30-yard line a guaranteed scoring zone. This security allows Offensive Coordinator Taylor Mouser to play with appropriate risk tolerance, protecting valuable offensive momentum and ensuring that drives which stall still result in points. In what is expected to be a physical, tightly contested Big 12 contest, getting three points instead of zero on a stalled drive will be the difference between a morale-boosting victory and a damaging defeat.
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